World Breastfeeding Week: Why Breastfeeding Support Should Be Part Of Every Postnatal Consultation?

News18

Last Updated:August 03, 2025, 12:39 IST

Many new mothers face challenges with breastfeeding in the early days. Here’s what you can do.

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy but with the right support, it can become a beautiful bond. Let’s make every postnatal consultation a safe space for guidance, healing, and care

Breastfeeding is natural but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. For new mothers navigating the emotional, physical, and hormonal whirlwind of postpartum recovery, breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. That’s why structured breastfeeding support should be an integral part of every postnatal consultation. With the right guidance, what feels stressful can transform into a deeply rewarding experience, one rooted in nourishment, bonding, and confidence. Dr Bonam Sriharika, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Apollo Clinic Manikonda shares her insights:

Why Do New Mothers Struggle with Breastfeeding?

Many new mothers face challenges with breastfeeding in the early days. These difficulties usually stem from a combination of physical, emotional, and social factors:

Physical Challenges

Improper latch or positioning

Low milk supply

Engorgement (swollen and painful breasts)

Nipple soreness or cracks

Psychological Factors

Postpartum stress or anxiety

Baby blues or postpartum depression

Self-doubt or lack of confidence in breastfeeding

Lack of Support

Misinformation or conflicting advice

Pressure from cultural or social expectations

Returning to work without adequate planning

Absence of practical help or guidance

This is why ongoing breastfeeding support is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

What Kind of Support Should Doctors and Healthcare Staff Provide?

Breastfeeding support goes beyond clinical advice, it includes empathy, education, and encouragement. Here’s what healthcare providers should focus on:

1. Education and Awareness

Teach proper latching and feeding positions

Promote skin-to-skin contact

Discuss feeding frequency and cues

Explain the nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding

Address common myths and anxieties

Share handouts or digital resources

Refer to certified lactation consultants when needed

2. Hands-on Guidance

Help new mothers with correct positioning and latching during hospital stays or visits

Observe feedings and offer real-time corrections

Demonstrate burping, expressing, and storing breast milk

3. Emotional & Psychological Support

Offer reassurance and encouragement

Counsel mothers and their partners or caregivers about shared responsibilities

Emphasize the importance of rest, hydration, and mental wellbeing for successful breastfeeding

Top 3 Things Every New Mom Should Remember

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Breastfeeding takes time to establish. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t go smoothly right away.

Ask for Help Often and Early

Reach out to doctors, lactation consultants, or support groups. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Prioritize Your Well-being

Eat well, stay hydrated, get rest, and talk about how you’re feeling. A well-cared-for mother is the best foundation for successful breastfeeding.

Other Ways to Support Breastfeeding Postnatally

In addition to hospital visits, mothers can benefit from:

Regular postnatal checkups to monitor baby’s weight gain and milk supply

Lactation counseling sessions (in-person or virtual)

Online education and forums with reliable, evidence-based information

Partner and family involvement in caregiving and emotional support

Breastfeeding isn’t just about nutrition, it’s about connection, comfort, and care. But that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to everyone. And that’s okay. What matters most is that mothers feel supported, informed, and heard. With a little help, breastfeeding can become a beautiful chapter in a mother’s journey, not a burden.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or a certified lactation expert. Because sometimes, all it takes is the right kind of support to turn struggle into strength.

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Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

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